The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington partnered with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies on August 11 to host a virtual panel discussion examining social reform programs in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Ghadah Alharthi was invited to discuss tourism in Saudi Arabia and the future challenges and opportunities that exist in a post COVID-19 world. Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented increase in the number of tourists as it has been working towards revamping its tourism and entertainment sectors by promoting its coastline and UNESCO-recognized heritage sites.
During the seminar, Dr. Alharthi highlighted recent statistics and shared information on the giga-projects and the attraction of the country’s natural landscape in the different 13 regions. She elaborated on how the change in regulations and social rules resulted in positive returns for Saudi citizens and attracted more FDI into the country.
Dr. Ghadah Alharthi in a virtual panel by @GulfStatesInst and #KFCRIS: Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedent increase in tourists, with #Vision2030 serving as a blueprint to improving the quality of life and investment in KSA. pic.twitter.com/WWQwyNzYTv
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) August 21, 2020
She touched upon Vision 2030 which serves as a blueprint to improve the quality of life and investment in the Kingdom. With the new types of tourist activities available, the aspirations of Saudis are expanding, even during this year’s summer season, which has coincided with COVID-19. Domestic tourism has flourished while precautionary measures were maintained to ensure the safety of tourists.
This can be seen in different Saudi media outlets in all its visual, audio and written channels. Dr. Alharthi shared stories from her local travels to different parts of the Kingdom's including her visits to family run restaurants that were set up in the mountains of Aseer and meeting with foreign travellers in Historic Jeddah who shared how much they have enjoyed Saudi’s cuisine and the natural landscape. She answered questions related to international tourists, scientific and recreational cities, including Tabuk, Amala, Qiddiya and AlUla.
Dr. Ghadah AlHarthi, associate lecturer in innovation management at Central Saint Martins, discusses the need for "innovative solutions to these unexpected and unpredictable situations" in light of COVID-19.https://t.co/ln3Sfvi0bp
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) July 14, 2020
Dr. Alharthi also stressed the importance of future strategic planning for tourism to overcome the difficulties of preparing the human capital needed in the sector, through education and training opportunities. Furthermore, she mentioned the most prominent initiatives related to the G20 tourism group, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism.
Check out digital seminar here. Dr. Ghadah Alharthi is Middle East Specialist; Associate Lecturer, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.
